Brookgreen Gardens - Plants, Animals and Wildlife

Plants, Animals & Wildlife
At Brookgreen Gardens

Plants

The botanical collection numbers over 2,000 species and subspecies of plants native and adapted to the Southeastern United States. The gardens are located in the Coastal Plain in Hardiness Zone 8. Most of the plants on the grounds are labeled with botanical and common names. The sculpture gardens include a number of naturalized and exotic species that are of considerable interest to home gardeners and horticulturists; the wildlife park is planted only in varieties that were in this area when the massive live oak trees were first planted by Colonial settlers over 225 years ago.

Animals

The wildlife park offers visitors opportunities to observe native animals in natural settings. The exhibits include the Cypress Bird Sanctuary (herons, egrets, ibis, woodducks), the Raptor Aviary (hawks and owls); Otter Pond, Alligator Swamp, Fox and Raccoon Glade, and White-tailed Deer Savannah. The public areas of the wildlife park cover nearly 23 acres.

Wildlife Sanctuary

Brookgreen Gardens is a wildlife sanctuary protected by the laws of South Carolina. Hunting and fishing are not permitted. The bird enthusiast may sight as many as 194 species, especially at three sites near the river and seven near the beach recommended for birdwatching. The variety is especially rich during the spring and fall migrations as many flocks travel along the Atlantic Flyway.